Consider contrast in the kitchen
Slate, copper appliances are exciting options
Anyone who has built or renovated a kitchen is aware of the endless lists of decisions that have to be made along the way.
What complicates the process is the number and variety of materials required, and how best to put them together to make a cohesive design.
Generally, the cabinetry takes up the bulk of the space, visually dominating the room. Countertops, flooring, walls and backsplash all butt up against the cabinets. So you are looking at wood, tile, stone, linoleum, laminates and metals to mingle into a pleasing display.
However, it’s the hardworking appliances, fridge, stove, dishwasher that are at the heart of the well-planned kitchen. They have a colour story, too.
For decades there was only white, then the avocado craze, and some brave colours appeared, mainly in Europe, where cheery red, royal blue and school bus yellow appliances were downright fun. Today, the big leap to stainless steel from industry to residential favourite is complete. So where do we go from here?
Manufacturers who are on the lookout for better design choices to show off their products take a keen interest in alternative solutions that will appeal to the desire for a new look while blending with what is there.
I’m often asked if all the major kitchen appliances have to match, and the answer is no, not necessarily. Here are two looks that are exciting and new, and blend harmoniously with stainless steel.
After extensive consumer research, GE has come out with a new finish called Slate. Inspired by the rich texture and appearance of stone, it’s a warm, grey metallic with a low-gloss finish that is a natural complement to the wide spectrum of wall colours, countertop materials and floor and cabinetry finishes found in most homes today. Slate was designed to blend with either stainless steel, black or white appliances.
The new Slate appliances are finished with bold, brushed metal touch points such as handles and knobs, which add more interest and can connect to other details present in the kitchen. In addition to its modern look, the matte finish is easy to clean and resists finger prints (a big bugbear with glossy steel appliances).
Another exciting option is copper. Copper looks great next to stainless steel; its warm glow complements wood, granite and tile, and enhances all kitchen colours with its rich patina. Hand-hammered copper catches the light in a way that no other metal can, and creates a warm inviting look.
Pairing up a copper hood (or copper sink and faucets) with peachy pink tiles and paint develops an interesting yin-and-yang quality of rustic and refined or masculine and feminine that works in urban and rural homes.
Premier Copper Products offers range hoods, sinks, faucets and lights in many styles and sizes to suit your style. On the environmental side, the sustainable, recycled 99.7 per cent grade A copper used by Premier is also one of the most recycled elements on the planet (copper never ends up in landfill).
Copper is easy care, requiring only warm water and mild soap to clean, and the surface of the copper is naturally anti-bacterial.